Catch exhibit at AVA, or buy the works at gala

IF YOU GO• What: "FACES: UnMasked" exhibit.• When: Through Saturday; gallery open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.• Where: Association for Visual Arts, 30 Frazier Ave.• Admission: Free.• Phone: 265-4282, ext. 105.• Email: lgoforth@avarts.org.IF YOU GO• What: FACES: UnMasked gala.• When: 5:30-8 p.m. Nov. 1.• Where: Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St.• Admission: $50.• Phone: 266-1632.• Email: kim@faces-cranio.org.• Online: http://faces-unmasked-2012.ettend.com.

The Association for Visual Arts revealed its many faces in an exhibition that opened last week. After "FACES UnMasked" closes its 10-day run Saturday in the AVA Main Gallery, the masks created by local artists and community members will reappear Nov. 1 for the FACES UnMasked fundraising gala at Chattanooga Theatre Centre.

The masks were created to raise funds and awareness for Families Advancing Craniofacial Excellence: The National Craniofacial Association. They represent the "fear and uncertainty" often faced by children with craniofacial anomalies, resulting from birth defects, injury or disease, said Kim Teems, communications and program manager for FACES.

Each year, the Chattanooga-based not-for-profit organization serves 75 to 135 children and adults for whom specialized craniofacial surgery can be life-changing. For children born with such a disorder, surgery may be required into young adulthood before the face and skull are completely rebuilt, the organization says. There is never a charge for any service provided by FACES.

Masks created for the AVA exhibit will be auctioned off at the FACES UnMasked fundraiser. Proceeds "will directly help fund travel, meals and expenses for FACES patients," Teems said.

The $50 ticket also includes heavy hors d'oeuvres, two drink tickets and games for adults.

Visitors to AVA also may see masks created by Joshua Coleman's students at Washington Alternative Learning Center on display in the Landis Student Gallery.

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